The dying man's testament to the Church of Scotland, or, A treatise concerning scandal…

But now, it may be of more difficulty, to speak particularly, to what indeed is duty, at such a time when a Church lieth under rents and divisions. For, though the general be granted, yet often,¹ it is difficult to take up the particular cure, and yet more difficult singly to follow the same: It being still more easy to prescribe rules to others, than to follow them our selves, especially in such a case, when spirits are in the heat and fervour of contention, whereby they are some way drunken with affection to their own side, and prejudice at the others, and distracted▪ as it were, with a sort of madness in pursuing their adversaries, as that great and meek Divine ⟨p. 315⟩Melanchthon did express it, so that it is hard to get affections, that are in such a temper, captivated to the obedience of light. And though we will not take on us to be particular and satisfying in this, wishing and hoping that it may be more effectually done by some other; yet, having come this length, we shall, in an abstracted manner, consider some things in reference thereunto, and endeavour to hold forth what we conceive to be duty, especially to the Ministers of the Gospel, that have interest in such a Church; As also what may be required of others, that may possibly think themselves less concerned therein: Wherein we shall keep this order, 1. we shall lay down some general Grounds, which we suppose as granted. 2. We shall premit some preparatory endeavours agreeable to the same. 3. We shall speak negatively to what ought not to be done, or ought to be forborne. 4. Positively to the healing means called-for in reference to several sorts of division, with some questions incident thereupon. And lastly, We shall consider the grounds that do press the serious and condescending application of these, or other healing means in such a case.

BUt now, it may be of more difficulty, to speak particularly, to what indeed is duty, at such a time when a Church lyeth under rents and divisions. For, though the general be granted, yet often,¹ it is difficult to take up the particular cure, and yet more difficult singly to follow the same: It being still more easy to prescribe rules to others, than to follow them our selves, especially in such a case, when spirits are in the heat and fervour of contention, whereby they are some way drunken with affection to their own side, and prejudice at the others, and distracted as it were, with a sort of madnesse in pursuing their adversaries, as that great and meek Divine